ADI SHERIAR IRANI (Adi Jr.)
1940s – Meher Baba’s family : ( L-R ) Adi Jrn., Mani, Baba, Shireen ( mother ) Jal, Beheram
Adi Sheriar Irani, Baba’s youngest brother, lived in London. He travelled with Baba to the West in the thirties and lived in the ashram from time to time.
His brief biography and life time experiences with Meher Baba are described as under;
Baba began calling His younger brother, Adi Junior, in order to distinguish between him and Adi K. Irani, whom he called Adi Senior.
Adi Jr. had a mischievous, carefree side like his brothers Jamshed and Jalbhai. One day, while Baba was visiting the family, Adi pinched some chewing tobacco from Baba’s box, snuck away and chewed it; he promptly became dizzy and nauseated. Memo found out what he had done and told Baba. Baba gave him a hard slap and scolded, “Why did you snitch My tobacco?”
Adi countered, “Why not? You chew tobacco!”
“Don’t do as I do!” Baba warned him. “I can fast for months on end, can you? Do as I tell you to do! Don’t ever try to imitate me in any way!”
Shortly thereafter, Baba gave his younger brother a pinch of tobacco. Adi expressed his confusion: “I don’t understand. You slapped me for chewing tobacco, and now you are giving it to me?”
Baba said, “I am giving it to you, so now it is all right.” Then he winked and joked, “Just don’t tell Memo!” And this time Adi did not feel dizzy or ill.
Adi Jr. was also spiritually inclined. Adi had met Upasni Maharaj in Sakori with his mother and admired the great yogi’s awesome personality. During this period, Adi was attending St. Vincent’s High School and became captivated with Hazrat Babajan. In fact, he was so fascinated with the ancient woman that, at this time, he had a higher regard for her than for his own brother. Unbeknown to his father or mother, almost every day on his way home from school Adi would stop by her seat under the neem tree in Char Bawdi. He would stand near her and gaze at her. Sometimes Babajan would beckon him to have a cup of tea with her, but she would not speak intelligibly around him and would not mention Merwan or ask Adi anything about himself.
It was observed that the language Babajan uttered was something which was virtually incomprehensible. Her language was distinctly her own, for she would usually mutter something in different languages or enigmatic sounds which no one could follow. However, one day, for no apparent reason, she gazed deeply into Adi’s eyes and spoke in clear Persian: “Speak the truth, no matter how bitter it may be.”
Adi was startled by her words. They made a great impact on him and he never forgot them.
Adi Jr. Once described his father, Sheriarji, as the kindest, most generous man he had ever known. And Baba’s father was greatly loved and admired by all. On the night of 6 April, at Baba’s request, Bomanji narrated the events of Sheriarji’s eighteen years of wandering throughout Persia and India in search of God. Afterward Baba remarked, “Because of Sheriarji’s untold sufferings to gain spiritual knowledge, and because he was a real pilgrim on the Path, I was born as his son. He was the only man — not only in his family and community but in the whole world — worthy to be the father of the One who will shake the world to its foundations in the very near future.”
At the end of September 1930, Baba visited Poona for the day, specifically to meet His brother Adi Jr. who was then studying in Deccan College. Baba asked through Chanji, “How are you doing in college?” Adi replied. “All right,”
“Do you like it?” Adi assured him that he did and that his studies were going fine. By the manner in which Baba was questioning him, Adi knew Baba had something up his sleeve but he did not know what. “Are you happy here?” Baba pressed. Adi answered that he was. After being assured that Adi was doing all right, Baba left for Nasik.
Baba traveled to Nasik for a few days on 1st October 1930. Soon after, however, He sent Adi Jr. a telegram informing him to come to Nasik at once. When Adi arrived, he was called alone to Baba’s room. Again Baba asked, “Are you really happy in college?” Adi assured Him that he was happy. Baba then asked, “Do you really want to become a doctor?” Adi said, “Yes. Then I’ll join you and become the ashram doctor.” Baba then shocked Adi with this question, “Which would you rather be My ashram doctor or My Vivekananda?”
Adi was filled with great aspirations. He remembers: “At the time, I was young and gullible.’My God,’ I thought, ‘to be a doctor be damned! How much better to be a Vivekananda!’ “Adi accepted Baba’s offer and was ordered to join the ashram in Nasik immediately.
Adi Jr. returned to Poona and told his mother he was giving up his studies, dropping out of college and going to live at Nasik. Baba had given Adi the courage he needed to face his mother, who strongly objected to the idea. There were terrific arguments between mother and son, but Adi was adamant and moved to Nasik soon afterward. Every day he kept expecting the miracle to happen. As months and years passed, he realized the “role of Vivekananda” had just been bait.
Baba wished to go to a movie that night on Broadway, which Norina arranged, and a group of eighteen persons went with him. Baba became restless during the film and left in the middle of it. The group followed. Walking through the crowded New York streets, Baba went to another movie theater some blocks away. Along the way, one man stopped and stared straight into Baba’s eyes, and then kept turning around to look at him after they had passed on the sidewalk. Perhaps it was for him that Baba had left the theater.
Adi Jr. had been reading the alphabet board the entire day and was tired from standing for so long. The minute they reached the theater and settled down in the comfortable seats, he fell asleep and did not see any of the film. When they returned to the Stokeses’ home, Baba began asking each of the mandali, in front of Norina, “Wasn’t the movie wonderful?”
Ghani said, “Marvelous,” and Chanji agreed, “Beautiful!” Kaka said, “Quite fine.” When Adi Jr.’s turn came, he said, “Well, I am sorry, Baba
I fell asleep and did not see it.” Baba gave him such a disapproving look that he then knew he was in trouble. The minute Norina left the room, Baba started to give Adi Jr. a hard, stinging blow. He tried to duck, but Baba’s hand caught him on the ear. Ever since then, Adi’s hearing was impaired.
“What was that for?” cried Adi.
“You should have said the show was good. Norina must have been terribly disappointed by your remark.”
“Baba, you asked me something. Should I have lied to you? I spoke the truth.”
“It is more important to please others than to speak the so-called truth!”
On 30th April 1932, Baba’s father died at the age of 79. Ramjoo had sent a cable to London on the 1st, saying, “Father Sheriarji expired Bombay last night,” Previously, during the middle of the night on 30 April, Baba had suddenly clapped and called Adi Sr. Baba pointed to his chin and then threw his hands upward. But Adi could not follow Baba’s gestures and Baba had sent him away. Only after the news arrived did Adi realize what Baba was gesturing that night. Pointing to his chin had signified a beard, Baba’s gesture for an old man.
Baba consoled his brothers Beheram and Adi Jr., and explained to them about death, “Death is necessary and is like sleep. When a person awakes from sleep, he finds himself as he was. However, after death, a person finds himself in a different atmosphere and in a different body. Both death and birth are dreams. Where is the sense in being merry or miserable for the sake of a dream?
In 1932, According to Adi Jr., when it was announced that Baba wanted to leave, Tallulah Bankhead asked Adi Jr. if it was possible for Him to come to her house the next day for lunch, for she had something to talk about with him. Adi said that he thought it would be possible, but that he’d have to ask Baba. When he approached Baba, Baba replied, “Fine.” Then in a stern tone, He warned, “But do not touch her and do not let her touch you.” Adi assured him that nothing ill-intentioned would happen.
In America, Adi went to Tallulah’s home the following afternoon (probably with another of the mandali). When he met her, he immediately blurted out, “I am happy to be here, but please do not touch me.” She blushed, saying she would not embarrass him. During their lunch, Adi asked what was it that she wanted to talk to him about. Tallulah said that she was in love with a certain man, but that he did not love her, nor had he shown her any affection. She wanted Adi to persuade his brother (Baba) to cast a “love-spell” on the man, and thereby he would fall in love with her and be hers. Adi was taken aback and assured her that Baba did not do such things and that she was greatly mistaken about the kind of spiritual things Baba taught. Tallulah, nevertheless, insisted that Adi ask his brother if he would cast such a spell. Adi said he would, but explained again that he doubted if Baba would do such a thing.
After Adi Jr. returned to the Joneses’ residence, he was feeling quite disturbed about his meeting with Tallulah, but did not say anything until he met with Baba. When he did, Baba sternly inquired, “Did you touch her?” Adi pleaded innocent and then explained why she invited him over and what she wanted Baba to do — cast a love-spell on a certain man, so he would fall in love with her. Baba showed His obvious disgust, “Hollywood!”
Later that night at dinner, referring to the incident, Adi Jr. said to Baba, “We have been with you for years and you still do not trust us — you still have no faith in us? Tod enters the girls’ rooms every day and talks with them, but you don’t say anything to him.”
Baba called the Westerners to the dining table and explained to them about obedience: “Look at My mandali. They always do as I tell them. They would not break My order even if their lives depended on it. They labor day and night to please Me. But when you cannot be attentive to such a small thing as not to be alone with them, what sort of love do you have?
“These boys, My mandali, know how to obey Me, and you think I don’t trust them? I trust them 100 percent. I want you to learn how to obey My orders. Compared to My mandali in this, you are nowhere!” Baba’s rebuke left a deep impression upon the Westerners. They were to understand that the Song cannot be sung to just any tune. It can be sung only to the tune set to obedience to the Beloved.
On 21 February 1944, Baba’s brother Adi Jr. and Viloo’s younger sister Gulu were married in Poona. Baba sent his blessings from Aurangabad, but did not attend the wedding ceremony. Adi Sr. drove Baba to Toka for the day early in the morning on the 22nd.
On 24th December, 1944, tragedy struck again. Adi Jr.’s wife Gulu died in Ahmednagar an hour after giving birth to a son, named Dara. At 5:00 A.M., Baba had gone from Meherabad to see Gulu at Sarosh’s home, Viloo Villa. He had put his hand on her head seconds before she died. It seemed Gulu had been waiting for Baba’s arrival before leaving her body. Receiving his blessing, she merged in him at the age of 30.
Once Adi Jr. made following comments for Baba: “Gandhi was no doubt a great man, but compared to Baba, he was like a flickering candle, whereas Baba’s brilliance is that of the whole universe.”
Baba had approved of His brother Adi Jr. remarrying and had even chosen the date. Accordingly, Adi Jr. was married to Sarosh’s niece Franey from Ahmednagar, on Thursday, 20 November. Baba did not attend the marriage ceremony at the Agyari, but called the couple to Khushru Quarters before the wedding for his blessings. Adi Sr. drove Baba there at 2:00 P.M. and he returned to Meherazad at 5:30 P.M. Near Pimpalgaon, four villagers were standing across the road, with their hands raised to stop the car, which Adi did. They informed Baba that they were sincere seekers of the truth, and Baba permitted them darshan and called them to Meherazad, where he gave each a banana.
On another occasion, there was some altercation, and Baba called Adi Jr. to the Rahuri Cabin. There was some heated discussion between them as Adi was in a defiant mood. Finally, Baba spelled out, “I’m telling you I am God! Bow down at My feet.” Instantly, Adi’s temper cooled as he realized the truth of His elder brother’s words. It was the only time Baba ever told him directly He was God.
Baba declared His intention to do some special work from the 1st of December for 40 days, so on the eve of it, 30 November 1954, a qawaali program was arranged, and the singer Jadhav Qawaal was called to Satara from Bombay. Adi Jr. was also invited to Satara. When he came to the bungalow in the evening, he asked for tea. Aloba prepared it without telling him that Baba had forbidden him to give it to anyone that evening. As instructed, at 8:00 P.M., Jadhav Qawaal, His companions and the mandali arrived at Grafton. After some initial conversation, Baba stated, “Everyone will be served tea at nine o’clock, and then the singing will start. Has anyone already had tea this evening?”
Adi Jr. said he had. “Who gave it to you?” Baba asked. “Aloba,” Adi replied. much displeased, Baba asked Aloba, “Why did you break My order?” “He is your brother, Baba,” Aloba replied. These words upset Baba even more, and He scolded, “If you think he is so great because he is My brother, then it is better you obey and follow him! Go and stay with him, not Me!” Adi Jr. intervened, “Had I known of your order, I would never have asked for tea.”
Baba replied, “Aloba gave you tea under the impression that it would please Me. He does not know that he who breaks My order is My enemy! The one who carries out My instructions is My real brother. He who breaks My order can never be a brother of Mine.”
Because He was so upset, Baba canceled the qawaali program and ordered the mandali to return to Rosewood. The musicians stood up and repacked their musical instruments, but when they were about to leave, Baba called them back and forgave Aloba. Everyone had tea, and the qawaali singing began and lasted until midnight. Baba enjoyed the singing immensely and listened intently, his mood now buoyantly happy. (Lord meherp-3667-1955)
Soon Baba came along. Adi explained the situation to Baba, concluding, “This fellow is a real headache!” Baba replied, “If he is a headache to you, it is good. You should thank him. He is teaching you forbearance. Be grateful to him. You are not obliging him by giving him medicine. On the contrary, he is obliging you by giving you the chance of serving others.”
On several occasions, Baba permitted his brother Adi Jr. to bring his family for Baba’s darshan. Shireen was only seven years old, but was quite intelligent and precocious. Her visits enlivened the atmosphere at Meherazad, and Baba and the mandali enjoyed her company and inquisitiveness. Once a visitor to their London home, seeing a picture of Baba on the wall, asked who it was. Before Adi or Franey could reply, Shireen declared, “That is God!”
She would sometimes ask her father questions that he could not answer. For example, once she asked, “What is beyond space?” and when she did not get a satisfactory reply, she said, “You are God’s brother, and yet you don’t know the answer!”
Adi Jr. told his daughter, “You’d better wait and put such questions to your Uncle when you meet him.”
She would say, “Yes, only God can explain these things to me.”
After embracing Baba one day, Shireen sat near his feet and at the first opportunity asked Him, “Baba, what is beyond space?”
The mandali were awestruck at such a question from a child of seven. Baba looked at her lovingly and gestured, “God.”
Shireen seemed to understand this, but then asked, “Then where is heaven?”
Baba gestured in reply, “It is between space and God.” Shireen looked satisfied.
When Shireen told a friend at school that she was leaving for India to meet God, they thought up a question together to ask God: “Which is higher: the stars, the Sun, the Moon or the clouds?”
She asked it now and Baba smiled and answered, “I am. I am the Highest of the High.”
One day Adi Jr. told Shireen to remove her shoes before going into the hall at Meherazad. Shireen asked why, and Adi explained, “Don’t you know we are going inside to meet God?”
“But isn’t God everywhere?” she questioned. “Is He not in the shoes?”
Adi said, “Baba is God in human form and to express reverence we remove our shoes, for shoes collect dirt and we should be clean in the presence of God.”
Shireen acted accordingly and removed her shoes, but during her visit she indirectly brought up the subject by saying, “Baba, you are God.”
Baba smiled and gestured, “Yes, I am God, and God is everywhere and in everyone,” and He pointed to each of the mandali sitting before Him.
Shireen turned to whisper something to one of the men sitting near her, but Baba motioned her to speak freely. She said, “I just had a thought, Baba. If God is everywhere and in everyone, then (pointing at Baba) who is that sitting in the chair?”
Baba replied, “God in human form. God is everywhere indeed, but can you see Him in everything? Can you feel Him in everyone you meet? You certainly do not. So I — God — have assumed this form of man to tell you and awaken you all to the fact that God is everywhere and in everyone and in everything. I am the God-Man.”
Adi Jr. left on 15 January 1965 to re(urn to London, but Franey, Dara and Shireen stayed in India until the first of March, and they were permitted to come to Meherazad a few more times.
Adi Jr. Once described his father, Sheriarji, as the kindest, most generous man he had ever known. And Baba’s father was greatly loved and admired by all. On the night of 6 April, at Baba’s request, Bomanji narrated the events of Sheriarji’s eighteen years of wandering throughout Persia and India in search of God. Afterward Baba remarked, “Because of Sheriarji’s untold sufferings to gain spiritual knowledge, and because he was a real pilgrim on the Path, I was born as his son. He was the only man — not only in his family and community but in the whole world — worthy to be the father of the One who will shake the world to its foundations in the very near future.”
On 28 January, Baba’s youngest brother Adi Jr. arrived from London to stay at Meherazad for a month. Adi Jr.’s son, Dara, had written to Baba from London about his desire to marry an Indian girl, and his marriage had been arranged with Baba’s approval to Kumar’s daughter, Amrit. (Mehera had suggested the girl to Baba.) During his stay, Adi Jr. discussed and finalized the marriage arrangements with Baba.5306-1968
Adi Jr.’s, Franey, Shireen, Dara, Amrit and Ann Eve came that day to say goodbye to Baba before returning to London the following day. In reference to His health, Baba assured Franey, “Don’t worry. All will be well by the end of this month.”
While Baba was sitting outside relaxing, taking his sunbath on the 9th, he mentioned Jesus and the apostles to Adi Jr. and revealed to His brother, “Eruch is My Peter. Peter renounced Jesus, but Eruch will not renounce Me.”
Before leaving, Adi Jr. wept. Baba called him to His room and asked the reason. “I feel that I will not see you again,” He said.
Baba replied, “Oh, I am not going to die. Still fourteen more years are there before I drop My body.” As mentioned, Baba had indicated before that He would live to be 90.